Rising obesity rates are a problem for more than American adults and children. These rates are also Pet Obesity in Massachusettssteadily increasing for family pets, according to our mobile veterinarian. Here is the good news — working with an experienced veterinarian can help prevent obesity in your dog or cat, or help an overweight pet shed excess pounds.

Problems Linked to Excess Pet Weight
Overall, about 35 percent of U.S. pets are either overweight or obese. A 2013 survey suggested that of the nearly 53 percent of overweight U.S. dogs, almost 17 percent qualify as obese. Nearly 58 percent of cats weigh too much, and more than 27 percent of these felines are obese. Even being a little overweight can shorten a dog’s life by as much as two years.

Overweight pets often pay a high price in terms of health and quality of life. Dogs carrying extra weight are prone to joint problems, respiratory diseases, and other preventable conditions. Cats that are too heavy face an elevated risk for diabetes, liver disease, and arthritis.

All of these pets face a potential lifetime of medications for pain. Moving them for medical care, particularly in a health emergency, can be difficult and sometimes impossible. And those extra pet pounds can mean extra veterinary bills.

How Our MA Home Veterinarian Can Help
The key to preventing pet obesity is the proper diet and level of exercise. Our MA home veterinarian makes house calls at a time that is convenient for you. The visit includes an exam, showing you how to check your pet’s body condition score, and developing a plan to prevent obesity.

For overweight pets, any weight loss plan requires a veterinarian’s supervision. While it typically includes dietary modification, exercise, and regular weigh-ins, some dogs require an appetite suppressant to shed extra weight.

Overweight pets are prone to sprains and even fractures even during ordinary body movements and are often difficult to lift or transport in an emergency. You can count on our mobile doctor to reach your home promptly for wellness care, ongoing therapy, and health emergencies.